What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of counselling designed specifically for children. Because many children do not yet have the language to fully express what they feel, play becomes their natural way of communicating. Toys, games, storytelling, and creative activities allow children to explore emotions and experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable.
In play therapy, children are supported by a trained therapist who helps them express themselves, build emotional awareness, develop coping skills, and work through challenges at their own pace.
How Play Therapy Helps Children
Children often communicate through behaviour rather than words. Big emotions, withdrawal, anger, clinginess, or changes at school can be signs that something is happening internally, even if a child cannot explain it.
Play therapy supports children by helping them:
- improve emotional regulation
- reduce anxiety and stress
- strengthen communication skills
- build confidence and self-esteem
- improve behaviour at home and school
- process difficult experiences and life transitions
- develop healthier coping strategies
Through play, children can safely explore feelings, practice new skills, and begin to feel more secure in themselves and their relationships.
What Play Therapy Can Help With
Play therapy can support children experiencing a wide range of concerns, including:
- anxiety and excessive worry
- emotional outbursts or behavioural challenges
- ADHD and attention difficulties
- trauma or stressful experiences
- divorce, separation, or family transitions
- grief and loss
- school stress or peer difficulties
- social challenges and low confidence
- emotional sensitivity or overwhelm
Play therapy can be helpful whether concerns are recent or have been building over time.
Parent Involvement and Confidentiality
Parents play an important role in play therapy. While children need privacy to express themselves freely, we also believe in keeping parents informed and supported.
We offer regular parent consultations, progress updates, and practical recommendations, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality to protect your child’s trust and emotional safety in therapy.
Why We Use Play Therapy at Foothills Integrative
At Foothills Integrative, we believe children heal through safety, connection, and trust. Play therapy supports children in a way that feels natural and non-threatening, allowing them to process emotions and experiences without needing to have the perfect words.
Our approach is child-centred, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate. We honour each child’s pace and individual needs, and we work closely with parents to support progress beyond the therapy room.
What to Expect in Play Therapy
Play therapy is structured in a way that supports both children and parents. Our goal is to help your child feel safe and supported, while also ensuring you feel informed and guided throughout the process.
Initial Parent Consultation
Child Play Therapy Sessions
Parent Involvement
Ongoing Progress & Collaboration
Take the Next Step
If your child is struggling and you are not sure how to help, play therapy can be a gentle and effective place to begin. We are here to support both you and your child every step of the way.
We offer a free 20-minute consultation to help you explore fit and ask questions. No pressure, just presence.
In-person sessions in Okotoks, and virutal therapy across Alberta.
Common Questions About Play Therapy
Play therapy can benefit children of many ages - we utilize play therapy for children aged 6+. Techniques are adapted based on your child's age and play interests.
Play therapy allows children to express thoughts and feelings through play rather than words, which is often more natural for them.
This depends on the child’s needs and the therapist’s approach - the therapist will discuss parent involvement in the first session. Parents are often involved through separate sessions or check-ins.
Signs include improvements in behavior, emotional expression, and relationships at home or school over time.
Parent updates are typically provided regularly, such as every few sessions or as needed, to discuss progress and goals.
Yes, research shows play therapy is an effective, evidence-based approach for helping children with emotional and behavioral challenges.
